2 c. raisins
1 tsp. baking soda
2 c. sugar
1 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 eggs, beaten
4 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1 c. chopped walnuts

Cook raisins in 1 cup water in saucepan for 5 minutes. Cool. Add soda. Let stand for 5 minutes. Drain, reserving liquid. Cream sugar and shortening in bowl until light and fluffy. Add vanilla, eggs and reserved liquid; mix well. Sift in flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg; mix well. Stir in walnuts and raisins. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 13 minutes. Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container. Yield: 9 dozen.